All About Cork: Cllr McCarthy’s July historical walking tours

Former Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy has announced his free historical walking tours for July, which have a focus on the city centre’s development and also the city’s nineteenth century social history.

He will conduct walks across the city centre, St Patrick’s Hill area, Docklands, The Marina, and Blackpool.

Douglas-based Cllr McCarthy noted: “The July tours are all about showcasing Cork city’s unique character, plan, topography, and built fabric. It is also a city that is unique among other cities, it is the only one which has experienced all phases of Irish urban development, from circa 600AD to the present day.

“So, there are so many histories to view in just a cross section of a section of the city centre.

“All tours attract large groups of people and offer interesting lens to view the realities of living in a port city, beset by large scale poverty, whereby everyone did not make money and lived in a sense on the edge of making ends meet,” concluded Cllr McCarthy.

All tours free, two hours, no booking required. They are:

Friday, July 5: Cork Through the Ages, An Introduction to the Historical Development of Cork city: meet at the National Monument, Grand Parade, 6.30pm.

Sunday, July 7: The Northern Ridge – St Patrick’s Hill to MacCurtain Street: Historical walking tour of the area around St Patrick’s Hill – Old Youghal Road to MacCurtain Street; meet on the Green at Audley Place, top of St Patrick’s Hill, 6.30pm.

Sunday, July 14: Cork South Docklands; Discover the history of the city’s docks, from quayside stories to the City Park Race Course and Albert Road: meet at Kennedy Park, Victoria Road, 6.30pm.

Tuesday, July 16: The Marina, discover the history of the city’s promenade, from forgotten artefacts to ruinous follies: meet at western end adjacent Shandon Boat Club, The Marina, 6.30pm.

Wednesday, July 17: Blackpool: Its History and Heritage, historical walking tour: meet at square on St Mary’s Road, opp North Cathedral, 6.30pm.

Frankfield traffic survey to take place at busy estates

A survey of traffic issues at two busy estates off the Grange Road will take place, following concerns expressed by residents.

Dunvale and Frankfield Estates are set to be surveyed by Cork City Council to examine issues being experienced entering and exiting.

Former Cllr and Lord Mayor Mick Finn had raised the issue before his term expired.

“I was informed that the waiting times to enter and exit these estates can be significant, especially at peak times, and that there are safety concerns,” Mr Finn said.

“I have been informed by the Council Roads Directorate that while there are many competing needs associated with use of the junction, a survey of lights sequencing and traffic volumes will be undertaken to determine if changes are needed.

“While I acknowledge there are competing needs, the needs of residents must be paramount in these considerations and must be taken seriously.”

Cllr Horgan seeks return of layby at Broadale bus stop

Newly elected Cllr Peter Horgan has written to the National Transport Authority to seek the return of the layby at the Broadale bus stop to ensure traffic flows are not congested at rush hour.

“I campaigned for the installation of that bus shelter over many years and was delighted, along with other local representatives to see its installation last Christmas,” said Cllr Horgan.

“However, the removal of the layby has resulted in long traffic lines in the mornings and evenings rush hour, especially with school traffic.

“I want to see a reduction in volumes and speed on the Hill but the layby removal has compounded issues for commuters and is resulting in making it more difficult for those exiting Broadale and Maryborough Ridge.

“It is a massive pedestrian safety issue given the long queues of traffic now at those hours too.

“I have written to the NTA to send personnel down to view the impact of the layby formally with a view to returning that layby to alleviate the congestion.”

Flying high at Douglas Gymnastics Club display

Douglas GAA Club development programme

Kevin Mulcahy, Head of Athletic Development at Douglas GAA Club met with coaches, parents and board members to initiate a discussion and plan going forward on the athletic development of underage playing members in Douglas GAA.

He will take some full sessions with teams periodically but also is to assist coaches and teams on an ongoing supportive basis.

Attending sessions to help structure warm ups and other athletic development elements to empower the coaches to support the players on going as well.

Kevin answered questions and a long interesting discussion emerged around player preparation and load.

The discussion led to Kevin detailing how many events young players should have a week and at different times of the season.

This will be a crucial part of Kevin’s role from the research and sports science point of view to try and support the club and coaches to in turn provide best practice for the players.

The short-term commitment is to support teams and coaches during the summer in their preparation for championship and then to re-assess near seasons end how Douglas and Kevin can support transition between seasons, work with players and coaches on load and prepare for the following season.

As part of the contra deal Kevin is making use of the Douglas GAA Gym for pocketed periods of the week and will be offering Group PT and other health and fitness services in the very near future.

The pitch-based programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds: boys 3-4pm, pitch 1; girls 4-5pm pitch 1, every Friday for the foreseeable future.

Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie